Hub caps and headlights at the Shady Car Show cap off an ideal weekend

 

[August 28, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

On Sunday an ideal weekend in Lincoln came to its conclusion with the Shady Car Show. The show held at Memorial Park was without question the largest it has been since its inception. More than 200 cars and trucks entered into the show coming from near and far.

Conditions were perfect with overcast skies, but no threats of rain or wind in the forecast. Under the shade of the large and numerous trees in the park it was cool enough to justify a sweatshirt, but warm enough that folks enjoyed walking about and checking out all the vehicles.

This year would also be without question the largest attendance of spectators, with the parking area nearly full by 1 p.m.

Sometimes it is just as interesting to see what is in the parking lot as what is in the show.



For example this uniquely modified “bug” was catching the eye of a lot of folks as they arrived at the show.



Among those showing their vehicles there were a number of familiar faces including those of Dan and Marilyn Wheat.

The Wheats’ were on hand showing Marilyn’s parents car. The snow white 1970’s era Chevrolet Caprice with jet black interior has less than 40,000 original miles and is spotless nose to tail. The Wheat’s normally show the car throughout the summer, but Marilyn said this was the only show they had been to this year. The car was getting a lot of interest and one fellow even offered to buy it.



Around the park there was a huge variety of vehicles. Some were what would be called “Resto-mods” meaning they have been restored and modified from the original versions.

Others in the park would be better described as “Rusto-mods.” Vehicles such as this funky truck are more commonly known as “Rat rods” and typically they are ‘designed’ to look like heaps, but have wildly powerful engines. The idea is that the heap will draw in the suckers, then the engine will leave them in the dust in a drag race.






Among the cars on display were new cars, old cars, classic cars, and even foreign models.
 

Starsky and Hutch were also at the park. The remake of the famous TV duo’s car with its distinctive red body with white stripe got a lot of attention on Sunday.

Another vehicle that got a lot of attention was this World War II era military Jeep, that was loaded with wartime memories from guns and gear to helmets, radios, and posters.




JD’s DJ Service was on hand keeping the mood light with music and also serving as the announcer for the numerous drawings that were held throughout the day for the show participants.





Food was being offered for sale by Mama’s Arcade, a popular downtown Lincoln eatery. Included on the menu were pork tenderloin sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, and some scrumptious looking bar cookies.

At the end of the day, there were a large number of trophies to be given out including the Best of Show, Sponsor Choice, and the Wayne Ackerman Memorial Plaque. Ackerman started the Shady Car Show in Lincoln, and loved classic cars. He started the show as a place for all to share in some love and joy. Ackerman passed away in 2018.

The Shady Car show proved to be a great event and a wonderful way to cap off a fun weekend in Lincoln.

Thanks to all those who work to bring interesting and diverse activities to the community.

[Nila Smith]